Who We Are

A FANTASTIC 3rd YEAR FOR SAXWORLD!

SaxWorld was established in September 2021. Our first two years have been just phenomenal! 

As we are now reaching capacity with our two Saxophone esembles I felt that 2023 was the right time to launch JazzWorld. As with our Saxophone ensembles JazzWorld is open to aspiring players of all ages.

In September we launched ’Jazzology’, which is designed for players (of all ages) who are Gr 5+ standard.

In due course I shall introduce ’Junior Jazzology’ (for those at the early stages in their musical journey).

Each of our ensembles have grown fast and I am pleased to say that have already established a strong identity.

We like to think of SaxWorld & JazzWorld as being a community of learning. We have such a good spirit within each ensemble and we have fun each & every week as we explore & enjoy new music together. Above all, there is an attidude of mutual encouragement.

Saxophone & Jazz Ensembles are unique, in sound but also with regard to the ever expanding repertoire that is being written for them. We live in an exciting time where music is all around us and is expanding constantly.

Janet Nelson - SaxWorld & JazzWorld Events Coordinator & Safeguarding

I have loved music, and the idea of playing an instrument for as long as I can remember.  Like most children, I played a recorder and the odd percussion instrument at primary school, and had a few piano lessons when I first moved to Norfolk at the age of 11. 

It was at High School in North Walsham that I first learnt to read music, and had an opportunity to play an instrument in the school band.  I really hoped for a flute, but was given a trombone ‒ rather unwieldy on the school bus, and not greatly appreciated by the family pets.  I played this for a fairly short time before moving to clarinet. which I played until the end of my school career.  Sadly, the demands of life and work took precedence, and I did not play any instrument for a long time. 

Having spent a couple of years working at St Michaels Hospital in the Occupational Therapy Department, most of my working life was spent  as a Senior Social Worker in Safeguarding, and in Adolescent support as well as being a Practice Teacher for student Social Workers.  I loved working with young people and seeing them achieve their potential, despite the many challenges they faced.  In 2019 I became self-employed, providing support for older people living independently.

I have always loved the sound of the saxophone, and it was while I was renovating my current home that I decided that, when the dust settled ‒ literally ‒ I would hire one and see if I still had the ’bug’ for playing.  I rented an alto sax for a few months and assumed that, as I had played a clarinet, I would easily be able to play the saxophone.  This was not the case, and I didn’t progress well until I made contact with David (Fitzgerald) and discovered the joy of making music again.

I eventually bought the instrument, which I played up to Grade 4.  I upgraded to a better horn in 2015, and added a tenor saxophone in 2016.  I also, finally, got my flute. 

I have loved the challenge of trying to improve my tone and play more complex pieces, and David’s tuition has enabled me to progress further than I ever thought possible.  I have also, despite the nerves, continued to take Grades, (up to Grade 6 so far after taking Jazz Grades). I have also played in David’s annual concerts and at other local events.

I currently play Baritone in all three ensembles (Junior Saxology, Saxology and Jazzology)

It has been a pleasure to play with  lovely people in such a welcoming and encouraging environment. 

SaxWorld is such an exciting opportunity to play with others, and to learn and develop our musical skills while having fun, all regardless of age or ability.  I look forward to continuing to help David in whatever way I can to develop SaxWorld and Jazzology and all the opportunities it  undoubtedly provides.

Rachel Ray - SaxWorld & JazzWord Events Coordinator & Marketing

Reflexologist – wild swimmer – lover of cake - aspiring musician . . . in the words of Julie Andrews, these are a few of my favourite things!

I’m a bit late to the party when it comes to playing an instrument and like many school children, my early memories of music involved playing the recorder and listening to Peter and The Wolf.

Aside from a brief period in a choir and a ‘drums for mums’ workshop when my children were toddlers, the opportunity to be involved with music never really presented itself. I was too busy with a marketing career and running our family pharmacy.

But I’ve always loved the sound of the saxophone and had a secret yearning to play big band jazz. When my son started to learn saxophone at school with David, the sound of the sax started to fill our home and when Christopher left for university, I decided to take the plunge, borrowed his saxophone and started having lessons with David. I’ll never forget how frustrating initially it was trying to make a sound from the mouthpiece and reed. Learning to play an instrument later in life was a challenge but one that I have relished under David’s expert and encouraging tuition. Having started on the alto sax, I am developing my tenor playing, exploring jazz, getting stuck into music theory and have recently started to learn the piano. Part of my musical journey has been going back to school and taking ABRSM Grades which presented a whole new challenge of performing under exam conditions and quite scary at my age! But what a great way to chart your progress and I am delighted to have worked my way up to grade 5, achieving a distinction. I hope to add Jazz Grade 5 to my certificates along with my Grade 4 and 5 Music Theory. ‘Every day’s a school day’ and I wish I had realised at younger age how much fun was to be had from learning and achieving!

Playing as part of an ensemble really brings your instrument to life. I’m very proud to be part of SaxWorld & JazzWorld which is a really exciting opportunity for us all and I’m delighted to be able to take an active roll in the development of the ensemble. Saturday mornings have never been so much fun!